Bush resigning seat on board of education

August 11, 2013

SALEM - The Salem school board is seeking a new member after Nick Bush announced he's resigning effective Tuesday because he and his family are moving out of the area for business reasons.

"I was honored to have been elected and served. I think the district is in extremely capable hands with the current board. I think it will continue on its path forward, which has been a very positive path," Bush said Saturday.

The 40-year-old Greenford area native who works as a management consultant was first elected to the school board in 2007 and was re-elected in 2011. The term he's vacating doesn't expire until Dec. 31, 2015, with the job of appointing a replacement to serve the unexpired term falling to his fellow board members since it's a non-partisan position.

Board President Andrew Null announced that interested parties should send a letter of interest highlighting their background to the Salem Schools Administrative Offices, c/o Andrew Null, 1226 E. State St., Salem, Ohio 44460. The deadline for submitting letters is Aug. 23.

"We have to fill the position within 30 days of the resignation," he said.

Applicants must be residents of the school district. When asked what kind of qualities they were looking for in a board member, Null said "somebody who has a cooperative spirit and wants to help out."

The board will review the letters received by the deadline and set up interviews for selected candidates and go from there. The board went through a similar process less than two years ago when Jeff Cushman resigned for an appointment to city council. Former Salem Community Hospital CEO and President Howard Rohleder was selected and will run for his first full term this fall. His current term expires Dec. 31.

"I'm very sad to see Nick go. He's been a great asset to the board," Null said. "We wish him the best - he's done a wonderful job for the district. I'd like to publicly thank him for his service."

In his letter of resignation, which was submitted Wednesday, Bush talked about what an honor and privilege it was to serve with "such a committed board, administration and staff during my tenure. I wish everyone associated with Salem City Schools a successful and prosperous future."

He spoke highly of people in both the school district and the community, saying they're incredibly dedicated and passionate. He said he's going to miss working with the people he's met and come to know.

"It's been a really positive experience," he said.

Bush, his wife Nicole, and their daughter and son will be relocating to Cuyahoga County within the next month.